A slave with a spear, a king's assassin, and a scholar's theft — the storm is coming for them all.
Who drives the story
A darkeyed Alethi soldier betrayed by his commander, branded a slave, and sold to carry bridges under arrow fire. He wants to protect people — and every time he tries, the cost gets higher, until he becomes something more than a bridgeman.
A Shin Truthless, exiled by his own people, compelled to serve whoever holds his Oathstone. He kills kings with a Shardblade and Stormlight, and his latest employer is not who anyone thinks it is.
A lighteyed Veden artist who can recreate a scene from a single glance, sent to steal a Soulcaster from the scholar Jasnah Kholin. She finds a mentor, a corpse, and an impossible power of her own.
The Blackthorn, brother of the murdered king, haunted by visions during highstorms that command him to unite a fracturing kingdom. He trades his legendary blade for slaves and bets everything on an old code of honor.
Sister to the king and the greatest scholar in Roshar, viewed as a heretic by the ardentia. She takes Shallan as a ward, teaches her Soulcasting, and argues the Voidbringers are real — and already here.
Also in the story
Dalinar's heir, a skilled duelist who loves and respects his father even while fearing he has gone mad. His warnings about Sadeas prove right, and his blade cuts the escape path at the Tower.
Widow of King Gavilar, mother of the current king, and a skilled scientist who has loved Dalinar since she was married to his brother. She confesses her feelings, and this time he doesn't rebuff her.
An amnesiac spren who attaches herself to Kaladin and becomes his conscience and companion. As he chooses to protect rather than despair, she remembers what she is: an Honorspren.
The seemingly infirm, simple king of Kharbranth — and Szeth's secret employer. Behind his hospital he records death rattles, glimpses of the future spoken by the dying.
King Elhokar's court jester at the Shattered Plains, a figure who appears across the entire Cosmere. In Kholinar, he witnesses the Herald Taln's return and declares the warning too late.
How they are connected
A lighteyed Veden artist who can recreate a scene from a single glance, sent to steal a Soulcaster from the scholar Jasnah Kholin.
Dalinar's heir, a skilled duelist who loves and respects his father even while fearing he has gone mad.
Widow of King Gavilar, mother of the current king, and a skilled scientist who has loved Dalinar since she was married to his brother.
An amnesiac spren who attaches herself to Kaladin and becomes his conscience and companion.
Go deeper
The cost of protection · Honor in a world that mocks it · Despair versus the will to continue · Truth buried under worship
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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